A good TPMS dealer tool should have the following features:

1 - The ability to audit the vehicle before the wheel is broken down

This entails using the tool to activate and read back the data from each TPMS sensor. The tool needs to know all of the different low frequency wakeup patterns to transmit to activate the sensors on each type of make/model/year combination. It will need a vehicle look up table for all of these combinations. The tool needs to establish whether each sensor is working or not. This is an important first step because the legislation dictates that the moment the wheel is broken down the responsibility for fixing the problem passes to the dealer. Many dealers have found that customers will not accept the costs for repair and may attribute any breakage to the dealer if there is no audit trail. The Bartec tools offer the capability to show the customer the audit results from the screen or to download them to a PC and print this pre-audit so that a cost can be agreed and the go ahead given before work commences. The tool should decode the signal and be able to vary its activation power level according to the TPMS fitted. To do this it will need to know all of the decode algorithms for all of the different sensors on the market. This is very important in order to avoid picking up the transmission of other TPMS sensors, key fobs etc. It is important to limit your liability for any problems which occur.

2 - Diagnose faults

The TPMS tool should be able to decode the transmission from the sensor and display the data. This will enable the technician to establish if the sensor has failed or is not fitted, whether the pressure port on the sensor is blocked, if the part is running at too high a temperature and other diagnostic information which might be included in the specific sensor data (e.g. if there is a low battery condition on the TPMS).

3 - Support the replacement of TPMS sensors and the reprogramming of the car

If a sensor proves faulty or is damaged then it will need to be replaced. This requires a new sensor to be fitted and the ECU to be reprogrammed with its unique ID and its position on the vehicle. The procedures for all vehicles are illustrated in the Bartec Support Login which shows service requirements, reset procedures, dismounting/mounting instructions, torque specifications etc for all makes/models and years.

Most vehicles manufactured in North America have an in-vehicle relearn mode which enables the vehicle to relearn the TPMS IDs when the tool is used to activate the sensor. Not all vehicles may be placed into a re-learn mode (most Asian and European vehicles do not have this feature) and for these the TPMS tool must have an extra interface to the vehicle OBDII/CANbus to communicate with the vehicle Engine Management or Control Unit (ECU or EMU) and download the TPMS data. The Tech400Pro has this feature.

The tool needs to be able to turn off the TPMS warning light

The tool should ideally display the Service kit number and the replacement part number for the TPMS sensor to ensure the correct part is fitted

4 - Software updateable

New TPMS variants are emerging at an ever faster pace. It is vital that the tool can be updated using a USB cable or similar via a PC with latest TPM variants and all other attributes required to continue servicing new models. Bartec get this information long before other competitors and so users of our tools always have the most up-to-date software.

Why is Bartec USA the leading authority on TPMS?

Since it installed the first plant system in 1999 Bartec have installed TPMS systems in over 70 plants worldwide and have developed a strong relationship with OE's and sensor manufacturers, whilst remaining an independent party. This enables the company's products to be more up-to-date than any other tool manufacturer. Manufacturers are changing sensor suppliers, specifications and where fitted on a regular basis but Bartec get to hear about it first. The company has worked in the Wheel and Tire companies, the car plants and with the aftermarket so understands the full range of requirements and many of the features of individual make and models. Most of all we understand the technology. Our technical help desk is there for the users of our tools to get advice on a daily basis. No other supplier offers such vital and quality resource in this area. The company offers regular training courses on TPMS tools and has training materials available for you to purchase when you are setting out on the TPMS road.

What is a TPMS Tool?

There is no common standard for the TPMS sensors with variations including frequencies, modulations, data structure, communications protocols, mechanical fitment and many other factors.

When TPMS is installed and tested in the car plant by Bartec the process includes:

The TPMS sensors are attached to the wheel during the Wheel and Tire assembly process

The wheels are attached to the vehicle. This is the first time at which the TPMS can be clearly associated with the vehicle

Fixed radio antennas are used to extract the unique IDs (and other data) of the TPMS, associate them with their wheel position on the car and the Engine Control Unit (ECU) can then be programmed with this data

The car is then run through Rolls Test where the system is tested

Similarly the car dealer or tire shop needs to have a portable TPMS tool available to test the TPMS and read the wheel sensor ID and program the car's ECU in the event of TPMS battery failure, broken sensor/valve, or other repair or replacement of wheels and sensors for custom wheels, winter tires, tire rotation etc. The tool needs to be able to turn out the TPMS warning light.

What hand tool experience does Bartec USA have?

We have designed and manufactured hand tool solutions for TPMS since 1998. Beginning with automotive plants in the US, Canada and Europe. We have completed TPMS service tools for Suzuki, GM Holden, Volvo, Ford, Mazda, and recently Mercedes Benz. These tools are used in the OE dealers for each of these manufacturers.

How do TPMS service tools work?

The majority of today's sensors can be activated by sending a 125 kHz LF signal (either continuous wave or modulated). This signal forces the sensor to transmit a coded message at either 315 MHz or 433.92 MHz. The proper tool will decode that message and provide the CORRECT FEEDBACK to the technician. The proper tool will have in it all the necessary protocols to be effective on all of these types of sensors.

Why is controlling of LF critical?

Some sensors used today are very sensitive to the LF signal transmitted by service tools. Others require a lot of LF to make them transmit. The proper tool is designed with both in mind. Only a company that works with the technology can design software to work on both types. Too much LF used on sensor types that are sensitive and you will likely 'wake up' the wrong sensor and ultimately get the wrong 'ID'. Not enough LF for another sensor may mean that you don't wake the sensor at all.

What is RF Decoding?

It was what TPMS tools should be designed to do. The RF signal transmitted from the Sensor carries data. Proper decoding of that data means accurate information for the technician. TPMS tools that do not decode that data can give bad information to the service technician, which is very costly.

Why is decoding important?

Technicians need to be able to trust the tool in giving proper feed back from the sensor. A tool that does not decode properly can give false or unreliable information. It is important to invest in the proper tool that accurately decodes the sensor data - this saves time and money!

Where are TPMS service tools required?

TPMS tools are required in OE dealerships, Service Centers and Retail Tire Centers. Multi-brand dealers will benefit greatly from a tool that wakes and decodes the majority of TPM sensors.

Why are TPMS service tools required?

First and foremost it limits the liability of the repair center. It gives the operator and the customer the confidence that the state of the TPMS system is known prior to working on the vehicle. It also provides an opportunity to create a sale in the event that a faulty TPMS sensor is discovered. If a TPMS sensor is replaced, the vehicle must be 'reset' or 'programmed' to the new sensor. If a 'position dependant' vehicle has had a tire rotation, the sensor ID must be re-learned or re-positioned to the car's computer. The need for TPMS tools is financially driven. You can limit cost with a solid TPMS tool, and you can use it to increase services to your customer.

Why purchase a TPMS Tool?

The Wheelrite Tools properly decode so we can reliably distinguish between TPMS and other RF sources (e.g. key fobs). In other words, you can trust the Wheelrite Tools! Upgrading the tools is simple via the USB port. The Tools can output sensor data via the same USB using the 'AUDIT MODE'. The Wheelrite familiy of Tools has nearly 10 years of TPMS experience and 'in-plant' know-how. Bartec has installed Tire Pressure Monitoring Solutions on a global basis, and we have brought that expertise to the Automotive Aftermarket.

How can Bartec offer free upgrades?

Bartec understands the technology and how to make tools that work. We are in the assembly plants; we know the changes in the industry years in advance and are applying solutions in the same time scale. Our customers benefit from our position in the industry.

What kind of information is available on the website?

If it is TPMS related, Bartec will do our very best to have it on the web site. Our aim is to make the web site a 'one stop shop' for TPMS information. TPMS news, technical bulletins, service and work instructions and re-set procedures are all planned for the web site. This will also be the portal for all upgrades and other key downloads.

Please browse our website for more information about Bartec USA LLC and our range of TPMS Tools and our professional Tire Pressure Monitoring System support, then call toll free 855-877-9732 and speak to one of our team or e-mail us at sales@bartecusa.com.